4-Day Northern Serengeti Fly-In Safari: Mara River
A private 4-day fly-in safari from Arusha to the northern Serengeti in the crossing season: three nights at a camp near the Mara River, with full days waiting for the wildebeest herds to cross.
The Crossings Without the Long Drive
From about July to October the Great Migration's herds gather along the Mara River in the far north of the Serengeti, and thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge across while crocodiles wait in the water. Getting there by road takes two long days; a light-aircraft flight to the Kogatende airstrip takes you there in about two hours.
Three nights near the river give you three chances. Crossings can happen at any time of day, or not at all for a while, so patience pays: your guide reads the herds and positions you at the likely crossing points.
Prefer to go by road? See the 6-Day Great Migration Safari: Mara River Crossing →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Fly from Arusha straight to the northern Serengeti
- Three nights at a camp near the Mara River
- Full days at the river crossing points
- Game drives with a driver-guide
- July to October, the crossing season
A light-aircraft flight from Arusha to Kogatende in the northern Serengeti. Your guide meets you for an afternoon game drive along the river.
Overnight: Tented camp near the Mara River
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Full days along the Mara River, waiting at the crossing points as the herds gather, with picnic lunches.
Overnight: Tented camp near the Mara River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last morning game drive, then the flight back to Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast
The price depends on flight fares and camp rates in the crossing season, so we quote this safari on request. Send us your dates and we will reply within 24 hours.
On requestWe can combine this fly-in with a road safari to Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Trip Notes
- Start & end: Arusha
- Season: about July to October
- Private safari: your group only
- Small planes: soft bags, about 15 kg per person
Includes
- Flights Arusha–Kogatende–Arusha
- Game drives with a driver-guide
- Serengeti National Park fees and concession fees
- 3 nights at a tented camp near the Mara River, full board
- Drinking water
- Transfers in Arusha
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Tips for your guide and camp staff
- Drinks not included in the meal plan
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
When are the river crossings?
Usually from about July to October, when the herds are in the northern Serengeti. Their exact timing depends on the rain.
Are crossings guaranteed?
No. The herds may wait for hours or days before crossing. Three nights near the river give you the best chance.
Why fly?
The northern Serengeti is about two days by road from Arusha. Flying saves those days for the river.
Can we add other parks?
Yes. Many guests add Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater by road before flying north.
